Norway has defended its ambassador’s presence at the Supreme Court hearing of lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the ambassador’s actions were “legal and completely normal.”
Cecilie Roang, senior adviser at Norway’s foreign ministry, stated that attending and observing public court hearings is part of standard diplomatic functions. She added that such actions are “in line with international law” and routinely practiced by diplomatic missions worldwide.
“Reporting back home about events in the country of service is a core task of diplomacy,” Roang explained.
Pakistan Summons Norwegian Ambassador
The Norwegian envoy’s presence at the Islamabad hearing prompted Pakistan’s Foreign Office to summon him.
Officials described his attendance as a breach of diplomatic protocol and potential interference in domestic affairs.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the envoy was urged to follow the norms outlined in the Vienna Convention.
Andrabi clarified that the ambassador’s actions were considered interference in Pakistan’s internal matters.
The FO emphasized that diplomats should adhere strictly to established diplomatic engagement practices.
Mazari Defends Routine Diplomatic Practice
Imaan Mazari defended the Norwegian ambassador’s attendance as a normal diplomatic occurrence.
She explained that diplomats routinely observe court proceedings without taking sides in any case. “Observation does not imply judgment or influence over legal proceedings,” Mazari stated.
Roang also noted that Norway, like many other countries, monitors court proceedings internationally, particularly in matters of public interest.
She emphasized that attending public hearings provides valuable insights for diplomatic reporting.
Background of the Legal Case
The Supreme Court hearing involved a plea by Mazari challenging an Islamabad High Court verdict. The IHC had dismissed her request to halt the trial in the additional sessions judge’s court.
A three-member SC bench accepted Mazari’s plea, ordering the trial to pause until the IHC delivers its decision.
Mazari and her husband were booked under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. The case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in October. The FIR alleges that the couple attempted to incite divisions on linguistic grounds via social media posts.
Diplomatic and Legal Implications
The incident underscores the balance between diplomatic observation and national sovereignty. Norway maintains that observing public hearings is a lawful duty of foreign missions. Meanwhile, Pakistan highlights the need to protect domestic legal proceedings from external interference.
This case also reflects broader discussions on how foreign diplomats engage with public legal processes globally.
